VAASTUSHASTRA- ANCIENT SCIENCE

Much is being said about the ancient sciences, namely Vaastushastra and its relevance in the present day living. Accepting it or otherwise depends on individuals. Mere rejection of the Vaastushastra saying that they are very old may not be in the interest of any individual. It is better we know something about the Vaastushastra before deciding about its validity. In the series it is proposed to explain about each aspect of Vaastu. This is the first in the series on introduction. 

Vaastushastra is a science. In Vaastushastra 'Sun' assumes a most prominent role since the basic concept of Vaastu science is based on solar system and has been derived from the ancient scriptures viz Vedas. It hardly needs any explanation as to why the prominence is given to Sun. 

However we know that the sunlight reaches the planet Earth through seven colours observed in the radiation. Sunlight and the radiation control the entire life on this planet Earth. The seven colours in the sunlight have been examined from ancient times and their effects on the life and vegetation have been explained in Vaastushastra after a great deal of study by the scholarly Rishis and saints of ancient India. The universe is constituted by five elements namely Air,Earth, Water, Fire, Wind and Sky. 

These five elements, which are known as Pancha Maha Bhootas are the basis for the existence of life. These elements have their own characteristics and the energies created by these elements which is in circulation have to be utilized by man (life). Maintaining an equilibrium as existence of these energies in excess of what is required is not favourable for life. The man resides in a house or some dwelling which is required provide these energies in the required manner or proportions for his healthy living. The dwelling is called Vaastu. Vaastushastra regulates construction of dwelling or buildings.

The shastras have been formed with the sole object that every person intending to have a place for living should enjoy good health, prosperity and peace of mind. Vaastusastra does not only consider about the interior of the house but also considers about the external surroundings and the environment all around that is expected. 

The Vaastushastra can be referred not only for taking up new constructions, possession oflands for buildings but also for the existing buildings and lands utilized for residential and commercial purposes. They can also be referred to in respect of the group housing apartment buildings and lands utilized for residential and commercial purpose, they can also be referred to in respect of the group housing apartment buildings. It is remembered that for happiness in life, comforts, and prosperity that one desires to have, his residence plays the most important role. 

Vaastushashtra can be fully utilized and plenty of sources are available for utilisation to the fullest extent to overcome the problems by making proper changes. There will be plenty of opportunities, particularly in the present days when funds flow easily for construction of building or purchase of lands and building; when the properties become available hardly a reference is made to Vaastushastra about its suitability for a buyer. In the anxiety of possessing the property seldom a thought is given to the fact whether the proposed property confirms to Vaastushastra. 

It is to be remembered that the Shastra influences the life of people residing in the properties. The building which are built in accordance with or in total conformity of Vaastushashtra do not germinate evil spirits or have adverse affects on the lives of the occupants of such buildings. It is said the occupants enjoy good health, and harbor good thought. It may not be desirable to say anything about the conditions of the occupants of the buildings, which are not in accordance with Vaastushashtra. 

As has been explained, Vaastushastra has a strong base and fundamentals, which has stood the test for thousands of years. The arguments that Vaastushastra are very old and have no relevance in the present day living conditions, particularly in big cities and towns, does not sound well. The present day conditions are in no away different than those in the past as demands of a man for happiness, prosperity and peace of mind have not changed in any way. The changes if any, are only terms of value. A good Vaastu can ensure all these requirements in life, that is a good health, prosperity and peace of mind, all through life.

VAASTU PRINCIPLES FOR A BETTER LIVING

Vaastu is the oldest science of building constructions and selection of sites, for residential as well as commercial purposes. Since early 90's there has been some awareness among the people and today it has become "almost a must" a practice to consult some Vastu consultants before taking up a construction or moving on to residential dwellings or flats in the cities and metros. Before much is said or written about this beautiful ancient science, it should be clearly understood that nobody can change the destiny of a person. Vaastu does not give any assurance to the individuals of the prosperity or the health of the family, since the prosperity or otherwise is according to the destiny of the individuals which is governed, if one believes, by the planetary positions.

As per our (Indian) traditions, generally prayers are offered and blessings sought before commencing any ventures, going for examinations, before getting into marital propositions or tying a knot. This practice of praying all mighty and seeking blessings of the elders before actually taking up the ventures will have direct bearing on lives. So thinking about the Vastu principles for betterment of the individuals life styles can simply be equated to following the age old practice of offering prayers and seeking blessings before commencement of construction or occupying the house. 

Vaastu is a science which regulates construction of buildings and their interiors. Vaastu principles ensure harmonious balance between human beings, nature and the environment around. This results in better health, happiness and inturn prosperity. Vaastu tenets are used for building a good, safe and happy homes.

In the present days however it is difficult to follow all the principles laid down in Vaastu Shastra for various reasons. Reasons could be, lack of suitable land in the cities, inadequate funds, prevailing building bye-laws of the local bodies and in many cases the disbelief in the ancient Shastras and scriptures.

Some people even comment that the Vastu Shastra is too rigid about the placing of the doors & windows, which according to them is simply not possible to follow. It is often said by some people (who are well placed in life and feel that they don't have any problems) that vaastu cannot be followed because of various limitations in terms oflocation, size of the land & the ever-changing situations and the necessities of life. 

However such thinking or expressing doubts about the Vastu principles is simply not acceptable. Vaastu consultants and the pandits are of the firm view that these are affordable and simple ways to alter the living space suitably. The Vastu principles which are based on five elements namely earth, space, fire, air & water have to be followed to the best advantage. It should be remembered that the very existence of the man is totally dependant on these five elements and is controlled by the said elements. All possible efforts should be made to harness the effects of the five elements. Vaastu's main idea is to bring about harmony between the life and the environment around it. 

Who would not like to benefit from knowledge, wisdom, health, wealth, strength & happiness! In view of the fact that the vaastu Shastra regulates the construction of the buildings, whether residential or commercial, it would be wise to remember some of the important regulations or say the basics namely- enjoy the sunlight from the eastern side, place the kitchen in the South East comer, place the beds South-North (with head at South) or East -West directions, have the front door or back door made of a frame of four pieces, store water in the North East comer (sump-borewell) of the site.

Further try to understand the eight directions and their importance.

Remember, try not to break or modify the existing houses/buildings but alter them suitably. Breaking and reallocating would be foolish. To justify this a simple example could be: if the kitchen is not in the specified direction, the things like gas stove could be placed in the proper place namely- South East comer of the existing kitchen. 

Finally, Vaastu Shastra is nothing but an ancient science of constructions of buildings. Vaastu lays down the principles of building, designing & planning to ensure happy living in the good environment. It would therefore be worthwhile to consult the vaastu experts before commencing construction of any building, there is certainly nothing to lose. A good house built on Vastu principles certainly gives the piece of mind and ensures harmonious living.

MAINTENANCE OF APARTMENTS AND COMMERCIAL COMPLEXES

The trend for the high rise buildings in Bangalore started during late eighties when the builders from Bombay launched building projects in Bangalore. The attraction was rapid growth of Bangalore between 1971-81 which was the highest in Asia in addition to the salubrious climate, beauty, (this is almost lost today) cheaper land, and higher F.A.R. permissible compared to Bombay and the hospitable citizens of Bangalore. Rahejas, Ranka, embassy, mittal, Bhaktavar are some of the builders who started their activities in Bangalore during that time. Local entrepreneurs also started building activity like: Prestige, India Builders and others. Their intention was to make most of the situation.

Due to enormous potential for building activity, hundreds of apartments and considerable number of commercial complexes had come up in Bangalore. Apartment living was new to Bangalore. Those who lived in flats were mostly outsiders. Local people even now like to have independent houses. 

To enable regulation of apartments, the following two acts were passed in Karnataka on the lines of Mumbai acts: l.Karnataka ownership Act, 1972. 2. Karnataka Ownership flats (Regulation of the Promotion of construction, sale management and transfer) Act, 1972. Even now majority of the apartment dwellers are not aware of these acts, and rules issued under these acts, which came into force from 2.04.1975. No one is following these ACTS. 

 To enable regulation of apartments, the following two acts were passed in Karnataka on the lines of Mumbai acts: l.Karnataka ownership Act, 1972. 2. Karnataka Ownership flats (Regulation of the Promotion of construction, sale management and transfer) Act, 1972. Even now majority of the apartment dwellers are not aware of these acts, and rules issued under these acts, which came into force from 2.04.1975. No one is following these ACTS.

In Bangalore the Co-operative Housing Societies or the Owners Associations are being followed, the choice being left to the group of buyers of flats.

Most of the Co-operative societies were registered under the Co- operative Societies Act. 

Associations are registered under the Karnataka Societies Registration Act, 1960. In Mumbai, a group of persons form a housing society, mobilize funds, purchase land, build apartment, live in the apartment and maintain the building. Where as in Bangalore, builders build the apartment sell the flats during construction and later. 

The buyers form apartment Housing Society / Owners association for only maintenance purposes. The builders register the flats in favour of the buyers. Later transaction is between the owner of the flat and the subsequent buyer. The seller relinquishes his membership in the Society/ Association and the buyers become a member of the Society/Association.

Bye laws: 

After registration, the Apartment Society frames its byelaws and gets it approved from the Co-operative Department or under society act. The byelaws should be in accordance with the Act and provisions. The byelaws provide for election of Committee and office bearers for management of the society Elections to the Committee in case of housing Co-op Society are conducted by the Returning Officer appointed by the Co-operative Department as per procedure. In the case of Association or Society, the General Body elects the office bearers.

Byelaws provides for membership, General Body Meeting, Special General Body Meeting.

Committee, powers of the committee, accounts & audit and in general management of the Housing Society or Association. The Department of Co-operative approves the Byelaws and returns to the Society for following the provisions.

In case of an Association, the Registrar of Societies along with the Memorandum approves Rules and Regulations of the Owners Association. 

Services Rendered: 

The services provided by the society/ Association are water supply, general lighting, lifts, security, cleaning of the premises, garbage removal, gardening, colour washing, periodical painting, civil works repairs, water supply and drainage repairs, electrical repairs etc. As there is power shortage in the state with power cut twice a day, generator service for lift, common area lighting, and pumping of water is provided in some buildings.

Intercom facilities from the flats to the security area is also provided in some buildings, club, health club, swimming pool, dish antenna & library facilities are provided in luxury apartments. Some societies also organize social activities for the benefit of residents.

PERSONNEL        FOR MAINTENANCE SERVICES: 

a. Security: Security arrangements are made through a security agency or by appointing security personnel directly by the Society! Association. Two or Three shifts are arranged to the convenience.

The security personnel are also entrusted with the water pumping duties to maintain water supply through out the day from borewell and B.W.S.S.B. water, responsibility of common area lighting, reporting in case of lift problem etc., is also entrusted to the security-men. Collection of milk at security gate is also entrusted to the securitymen. For additional income, the security men clean the vehicles of the occupants during their off period. They also get tips when they help the occupants for odd jobs. Occupants help useful security men with food, clothes, tips loan etc. the security men are also used to send messages and letters by the occupants.

b. Sweeper: Sweeper is entrusted with removal of garbage baskets from the doors of flats, which are dumped on the roadside garbage bins, or other arrangement to clean the garbage. They sweep the common area and are supposed to maintain the premises clean. They are also useful for odd jobs of the occupants.

c. Gardeners: Gardeners maintain the plants and lawn where garden is maintained. In case of only a few plants frequent supervision by a gardener or watering of plants by the sweeper is arranged.

d. Plumber/Electrician: The services of a plumber are arranged in some apartments! complexes for one or two hours fixed according to convenience.

He will help in replacement of washers in taps and stoppage of minor leaks.

Similarly services of an electrician, or a plumber-cum- electrician service is arranged.

e. Secretary / Manager: A paid Secretary in case of an apartment Society / or a Manager in case of commercial complexes is employed. His duty is to send maintenance bills to the occupants, collect maintenance charges, maintain accounts, supervise the work of security men, sweeper, gardener, plumber, and electrician and provide liaison between the occupants and the office bearers. He will also arrange for maintenance repairs and replacements. He will assist in the conduct of meetings, payment of water and electricity bills, and correspondence. Good maintenance depends of an effective and useful Secretary / Manager. 

Maintenance Charges:

Maintenance charges fixed to cover the routine charges like salaries, water and electricity bills, minor repairs, correspondence, overheads, and extra amount to maintain a development fund to meet major repairs like replacement of motors and pumps, water supply and drainage arrangement, replacement of borewell pipes, replacement of water proof course, replacing electrical wiring system etc. Fixation of maintenance subject, which attracts arguments between the office bearers and the occupants. In some cases additional resources are generated by leasing additional parking spaces, advertisement hoardings, S.T.D. booths etc. transfer or N.O.C fee is also collected whenever, there is resale of flat office on its / shops.

Good management enables availability of adequate funds of good maintenance and major repairs. Occupants should elect service minded officer bearers in their own interest for good facilities and living environment.

Absentee land lords: Normally 10% or more flats in apartments of Bangalore are owned by outsiders from Bombay, Cal-cutta, Hyderabad and other places in India as well as from abroad. The percentage being more in the apartments of Cantonment, Central areas, and Bangalore south. Nowadays apartment constructions has spread all over Bangalore including out skirts. The problem with the absentee land lords is that regular payment of maintenance charges is not possible and payments is arranged at their convenience. This affects regular income of the Society / Association.

Another problem in such cases is that if water or sullage is leaking in those flats, getting it repaired to avoid loss of water or dampness is difficult. Absentee land lords also affect quorum in meetings of the Society / Association. 

Non-residential uses in apartments: In the byelaws of the Society / Association non-residential uses are prohibited to see that Municipal Corporation and B.D.A. Acts are not violated. But invariably in apartments located in central areas and important localities non-residential uses are existing and such uses increase from time to time. Doctor's clinic, advocate's offices, travel agencies, company offices etc., are normally observed in apartments. Society / Association should discourage such non residential uses as it affects security & peaceful residential nature of the apartment.

The Corporation officials also assess such flats to collect more house tax and such uses get regularized. This affects the other flat owners as rental value is increased in such apartments and owner occupants are forced to pay more taxes.

Social problem is another problem in case of families with young daughters when non-residential uses are permitted. 

Water supply Problems: Residential apartments require large quantity of water for domestic purposes. While one borewell is compulsory more than one borewell are located depending on the number of flats or yield of the borewell.

In the beginning separate sump tanks, separate motor & pump, separate overhead tank and separate pipes for distribution are arranged to separate B.W.S.S.B. water and borewell water. But, later due to lazy security men and inactive office bearers separate water supply is not continued. Consequently, in some apartments a tap is provided near the pump room to collect only drinking water required by some occupants.

The sump tanks and overhead tanks are to be got cleaned frequently to supply safe and pure water. But very rarely this is being done forcing occupants to use aqua guards or other water purifiers for drinking and cooking water requirements. 

Like electricity arrangement where meter and main switches are provided separately for each flat, for water supply separate control values and meters are not provided. Delays by occupants to get water leakage repaired or leakage in locked flats will affect other occupants by higher water bills and dampness in adjoining or lower flats. If roof in a lower flat is damp due to leakage in the upper floor flat, the lower flat occupant has to get the same repaired at his cost. 

This is the practice observed in apartments. If car parking floor roof is damp the society/ Association has to get the repairs done as otherwise the Car parking area will be affected due to dripping of water, dirty appearance and damages to electrical wiring in the car parking area roof. As the water supply and drainage pipe arrangements are complicated, dampness in the roof and walls affecting colour washing and built in furniture is a common problem in most of the apartments.

Due to long hours of pumping, large quantity of water required by number of flats, the motors, pumps, and foot valve get affected and frequent costly repairs become necessary. Maintaining water supply with spare pumping set or by requesting occupants to collect water from ground levels taps becomes necessary quite often. 

Electricity: 

Electricity room is located in the basement!ground floor of apartment! commercial complexes. As large numbers of wires are connected to the electric room; safe meter board with sufficient clearance from meter and main switch system of each flat is necessary for safety from short circuits.

The K.E.B. meter reader issues bills according to meter numbers. The Secretary/Manager has to distribute the bills indicating flat number in each bill. Sometimes due to oversight wrong flat numbers are written on the bills, which will result in arguments with affected flat owners.

Whenever tube lights and bulbs are fused quick replacements has to be arranged to avoid objection from occupants. It is necessary to have an arrangement to get an electrician at short notice. In some apartments/ complexes services of plumber- cum- electrician for one or two hours in a day is arranged to attend to minor electrical problems in the flat or common areas.

Lifts: 

The occupants expect a good lift service in multistory buildings as they do not like climbing the stairs when lifts are not working especially by aged and obese persons. In apartments and busy complexes we observe use of lifts continuously. In view of power shortage only one lift is allowed to be used alternatively after few days. Older busy lifts give trouble frequently. Service contract for lift service is a must. Lift companies maintain their own brand oflifts and provide parts only if they maintain. There are a few service contractors who maintain any brand oflift. How they manage to get parts from companies is not understood. Their secret understanding with lift company officials is suspected.

The private lift contractors charge from Rs.5S0/- to Rs.800/- per lift per month depending on service only or including minor parts. Their mechanics attend to repairs when called or once/ twice in a month for check up. Established general lift contractors maintain lifts of more than 100 buildings. When there is no repair during a month their mechanic mayor may not visit to check up. But promptly claim the bill. As result of this, in some buildings the office bearers insist obtaining signatures of Manager/any occupant as proof of their visit. 

Service contractors having covert deals with the Secretary/Manager/ Security man are common. 

The lift service contractors make easy money by maintaining two or three mechanics paying about Rs.ISOO/- to Rs.2S00/- p.m. This business does not require investments. But good income is possible. 

In addition to this they also make false claims. As there is heavy demand for service contracts and only a few are in the field, some of the lift contractors dictate terms and suddenly stop lift by removing fuse or any other part to create inconvenience if their demands are not met. Some secretaries/Managers collude with them. The office bearers of the Society/Association should be vigilant about this matter. 

Gardening: 

Whether there is enough space or not landscaping/indoor plants in common areas is necessary to beautify the premises to avoid dull concrete surfaces. Full time Gardener in case of adequate area/plants or part time/additional duty to supervision by gardeners are to be arranged according to the requirements.

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Maintenance of Buildings:
Proper and timely maintenance is the key to long life, good appearance, comfortable living and safety

It is everyone's dream to have a house to his liking. But it needs proper planning from the initial stage itself.

The residential accommodation can be of the various types viz. Independent buildings, Row housing, Multistoried apartments (Medium rise or high rise), Villas etc. 

Planning and Design 

The correct approach is to bestow attention to details at the planning and design stage. These should take into account proper orientation to have full benefit of natural daylight; adequate natural ventilation; soil analysis and treatment for termites; adequate plinth height and slope to allow for satisfactory sewage and waste water flow from the premises to the municipal mains; provision for rain water harvesting; provision for installation of solar water heaters and solar cookers as part of energy conservation; use of energy efficient construction materials; easy maintainability; economy; aesthetics; facility for extension/modification; facility for old people and physically handicapped persons; environmental improvement, and, economy. The buildings should confirm to the statutory regulations with regard to setbacks, clearances, FAR/FSI etc. In recent times emphasis is laid on Vastu aspect also. The interior furnishing should be done with ergonomic aspects in view, proper selection of colours for wall paint and drapery and effective carpeting. The exterior should include the right type of plants, trees and lawns.

Safety 

Some of the factors mentioned below are with reference to multistoried buildings, apartments and clusters of interconnected buildings. The buildings and associated services should keep safety as one of the fundamental considerations. This includes among other things proper approach; slope; correct width, tread and rise of staircase steps; elevators of proper rating; emergency staircase; proper illumination for stairways and corridors; marking of exit routes in case of fire/other hazards; non-skid flooring for kitchen and bath areas; use of BIS marked materials and fittings and fixtures; use of fire-resistant and eco-friendly materials; provision of standby power supply for elevators and water pumpsets, and, staircase and corridor lighting. Fire detection and alarm system; proper storage of garbage; parapet walls/barricades in terrace area; emergency first aid facility.

Maintenance 

Proper and timely maintenance is the key to long life, good appearance, comfortable living and safety. This also assures good market value for the property. The maintenance of buildings includes periodic window cleaning; repainting of internal and external surfaces; painting/polishing of doors" windows and ventilators; lubrication of rolling shutters and other metal doors; floor polishing; cleaning of pipes and storm water drains; cleaning oftanks; fumigation/ extermination/pest control; checking of electrical installation including earthing and recalibration of safetrip mechanism and burglar alarm system; checking plumbing system for leaks and corrosion; checking for leaks in walls/roof and taking corrective measures. The maintenance should cover not only the internal areas but also the external surroundings. In the case of multistoried apartments and clusters of buildings attention should be paid to the common areas; and common utilities like elevators, water storage tanks (underground and overhead) and pumps, standby power supply plant, lawns, garbage disposal area, playground, etc. This is normally taken care of by a committee set up by the association of apartment owners.

Following are some suggestions to help have a safe, comfortable and trouble-free dwelling place.

A Few Tips 

• Have the building plan approved by the statutory and adhere to the Regulations.

• Entrust the design to a competent designer.

• Get the work executed by a suitable person with proper licence.

• Draw out contract specifications clearly to avoid disputes at a later date.

• Inspect the materials and workmanship periodically during execution to ensure adherence to specifications.

• Insist on proper safety precautions to be taken by the persons engaged in the construction and maintenance and repair jobs.

• Do not allow engagement of child labour in the works.

• Use only three-pin sockets and plugs of correct rating for use of all appliances.

• Never allow use of bare wires without pins for taking electrical connections.

• Use only approved brand fittings for electrical, plumbing and sanitary works.

• Get weatherproofing done only by reputed specialist agency and get written warranty.

• Use rubber mats for work with electrical appliances.

• Proper heights should be considered for mounting of electrical outlets and bolts and fasteners to avoid access by children.

• Avoid sharp edges in furniture and preferably have them castor- mounted for easy shifting.

• Use energy efficient light fittings and supplement with job lighting where required.

• Make sure of proper earthing for the entire electrical installation.